Legal Advocacy

ACLU-TN’s legal program protects and advances civil liberties and civil rights, as guaranteed by the federal and state constitutions and federal, state and local laws. Our legal program offers guidance, advocates, and undertakes high-impact litigation when doing so is the most effective way to advance our freedoms.

We provide legal representation, free of charge, for individuals and groups whose civil liberties or civil rights have been threatened or denied. We also submit friend-of-the-court briefs in appropriate cases initiated by others. The lawsuits we file impact people’s rights by setting a legal precedent or by affecting the policies and actions of public officials.

ACLU-TN is not a government agency or a legal services program like the public defender’s office or legal aid programs that serve low-income individuals. Because ACLU-TN’s resources are limited, we must be selective in deciding which cases to pursue. Generally speaking, we only take cases that raise significant civil liberties issues, affect a large group of people, and have reasonable promise of having broad impact.

We do not dispense general legal advice, provide emergency services, or make referrals to attorneys. Although there are exceptions, ACLU-TN does not generally assist in criminal cases, post-conviction appeals, divorce or custody matters, tax problems, landlord-tenant disputes, or complaints about lawyers or judges.

Legal Advocacy

ACLU-TN is freedom’s watchdog, challenging government abuse of rights and fighting for fairness in our laws and their enforcement. We are dedicated to translating the guarantees of the Bill of Rights into reality for all Tennesseans.